What is LAG?
LAG, which stands for Link Aggregation Group, is a term used in network engineering and computer networking. It is a method of combining multiple network connections into a single logical connection to increase network bandwidth and reliability.
How Does LAG Work?
LAG works by combining multiple physical network interfaces into one virtual interface. This virtual interface is referred to as a Link Aggregation Group (LAG). LAGs can be set up in a variety of ways, depending on the network infrastructure and the desired network performance. The most common way to set up a LAG is through a switch or router. The switch or router will group together two or more physical network interfaces and assign them to the same LAG. All of the traffic from the physical interfaces will be sent over the virtual LAG. This means that all of the traffic is sent over a single logical connection.
Benefits of LAG
LAG has several benefits, including:
- Increased network bandwidth: By combining multiple physical network interfaces, LAG can increase the available network bandwidth.
- Increased network reliability: By combining multiple physical network interfaces, LAG can increase the reliability of the network.
- Reduced latency: By sending traffic over a single logical connection, LAG can reduce the latency of the network.
- Fault tolerance: If one of the physical network interfaces fails, the other interfaces in the LAG will continue to work, ensuring that the network connection is maintained.
Examples of LAG
LAG is commonly used in enterprise networks to combine multiple physical network interfaces into one logical connection. This allows for increased network bandwidth, reliability, and reduced latency. LAG can also be used in home networks to combine multiple Ethernet connections into a single connection. This can be useful for streaming video or playing online games.
Conclusion
LAG is a powerful tool for increasing network performance and reliability. By combining multiple physical network interfaces into one logical connection, LAG can increase available bandwidth, reduce latency, and provide fault tolerance. For more information, please visit these helpful links: